Most homeowners and buyers never see the inside of a sewer line until something goes wrong. A sewer line inspection changes that. Using a camera on a flexible cable, we run a live video feed through your sewer system so you can see the actual condition of your pipes — every joint, every root, every inch of buildup — in real time.
Father & Son Hydro-Jetting has performed over 20,000 sewer inspections across the Greater Los Angeles area, San Fernando Valley, Santa Clarita Valley, and Conejo Valley. Every inspection includes a complimentary narrated video that we deliver to you the same day. Whether you are buying a home, maintaining an older property, or investigating a recurring plumbing issue, we give you accurate information and a clear explanation of what we found.
What a Sewer Camera Inspection Reveals
A camera inspection shows us the full interior of your sewer line from the cleanout access point to the city connection. We can identify:
- Root intrusion — tree and shrub roots that have grown into the pipe through joints or cracks
- Grease and debris accumulation restricting flow
- Scale buildup in older cast iron pipes
- Cracks, fractures, or deteriorated pipe sections
- Pipe misalignment or bellied sections where debris settles
- Pre-existing damage or previous repairs that may need attention
We also note what the line does not have — many inspections come back with pipes in better condition than expected, and that is equally useful information for a buyer, a homeowner, or a property manager trying to plan ahead.
Sewer Inspections for Real Estate Transactions
Sewer inspections have become a standard part of due diligence for real estate transactions in the Los Angeles area, and for good reason. A failed sewer line can mean significant repair costs that are not visible in a standard home inspection. We work with buyers, sellers, and real estate agents throughout Canoga Park and surrounding communities to provide independent inspections without a conflict of interest.
We do not perform sewer inspections as a way to sell unnecessary repair work. Our job is to document what is there and explain it clearly. If the line is in good shape, we will tell you that. If there is a problem, we will show it to you on video and explain what the realistic options are. Real estate agents have trusted us for this reason — their clients get an honest assessment, not a sales pitch.
Every real estate inspection includes the same complimentary narrated video and same-day report that we provide to all inspection clients.
When to Schedule a Sewer Line Inspection
An inspection is worth considering any time you are purchasing a property, investigating recurring drain issues, preparing to sell, dealing with unexplained wet spots in the yard, or working through the due diligence process for a real estate transaction. Older homes — particularly those built before the 1970s with cast iron or clay pipe — benefit from periodic inspections even without obvious symptoms, since the pipe materials themselves degrade over time.
We also recommend inspections as part of any hydro jetting or drain cleaning service. Inspecting before we clean helps us understand what we are working with. Inspecting after confirms the results and lets us show you the before-and-after condition of your lines.
What You Receive
Every sewer inspection from Father & Son includes a complimentary narrated video recorded during the inspection. We walk through what we are seeing on camera in plain language so the video makes sense to someone who is not a plumber. You receive the video and a written report the same day as the inspection. There are no technical reports full of jargon — just a clear account of what we found and what, if anything, needs attention.
Pair This Service With
A sewer inspection is often the starting point for additional services:
- Hydro Jetting — if the inspection reveals significant buildup, grease, or root intrusion, hydro jetting cleans the line thoroughly
- Descaling — heavy scale in cast iron pipes identified during inspection can be addressed with descaling before high-pressure cleaning
- Sewer Line Rehabilitation — if structural damage is found, we can walk you through CIPP lining, pipe bursting, or other trenchless repair options based on what we see
Sewer Line Inspection FAQs
How long does a sewer inspection take? Most residential inspections take between 45 minutes and an hour and a half. The actual time depends on the length and accessibility of the line and what we encounter during the inspection. We will give you a realistic estimate when you call.
Do you clean the line before inspecting it? We can. For lines with significant buildup, a cleaning before inspection — hydro jetting or light flush — can give the camera a clearer view of the pipe condition. We will recommend this if it is relevant to your situation.
Is a sewer inspection required when buying a home? It is not legally required in California, but it is strongly advisable. A standard home inspection does not include the sewer line. Sewer repairs can be expensive, and they are not always visible from the surface. An inspection before closing gives you accurate information before you commit.
Will you be able to tell me what repairs are needed after the inspection? Yes. After we complete the inspection, we will walk through what we found and explain any areas of concern in straightforward terms. If repairs are needed, we can discuss the options and what each one involves. You are never left with a technical report and no explanation.
What if the camera can’t get all the way through? Sometimes a blockage or root mass prevents the camera from advancing fully. In that case, we will note where the camera stopped, what we could see up to that point, and what we recommend as a next step — usually clearing or cleaning the line and inspecting again.
Schedule Your Sewer Inspection in Canoga Park
Call Father & Son Hydro-Jetting at (818) 900-7493 or request a free estimate online. We serve Canoga Park, Chatsworth, West Hills, Northridge, Woodland Hills, Calabasas, Granada Hills, Sherman Oaks, Santa Clarita, and the wider San Fernando Valley. Open Monday through Saturday, with 24/7 emergency availability.
